Top 10 Good Guys Gone Bad in TV

Script written by Alex Crilly-Mckean.
SPOILER Alert!
These characters hopped on the bandwagon to the dark side. In this video, WatchMojo.com counts our picks for the top 10 good guys gone bad in TV. For this list, we’re focusing on those characters who are introduced as generally likable and respectable, but who – through some unfortunate turn of events or another – goes way, way evil. If they happen to eventually go back to good, they’re allowed on the list too. And, it should be obvious but there are some major spoilers ahead so spoiler alert.
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Top 10 Good Guys Gone Bad in TV

These characters hopped on the bandwagon to the dark side. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting our picks for the top 10 good guys gone bad in TV.

For this list, we’re focusing on those characters who are introduced as generally likable and respectable, but who – through some unfortunate turn of events or another – goes way, way evil. If they happen to eventually go back to good, they’re allowed on the list too. And, it should be obvious but there are some major spoilers ahead so spoiler alert.

#10: Debra Morgan
“Dexter” (2006-13)

For the majority of the show’s run, the cop sister of serial killer protagonist Dexter remained clueless to his murdering antics, until she caught him in the act. Though it takes some times, Debra comes to grips with and even supported her brother’s predilection for murder and tries to see the world from his view. Until it comes to that season’s finale, where her own world is shattered. Turns out both Morgan siblings are bound to spill blood.

#9: Brenda Walsh
“Beverly Hills, 90210” (1990-94)

Moving to Beverly Hills from Minnesota would be a culture shock for anyone. That’s why Brenda starts out the series as your typical sweet, socially naïve newcomer; but popularity and power slowly go to her head. She soon becomes more rebellious with her relationships, starts disobeying her parents, and begins hanging out with activists who trash animal labs. This good girl gone bad was definitely one of the most chaotic students on campus and off – but that’s just life in the Hills.

#8: Bill Compton
“True Blood” (2008-)

Bill is just your run-of-the-mill vampire. He’s polite, well mannered and has so many skeletons in his closet it could break the door down. Originally he reveled in the killing sprees and blood-fuelled orgies of his vampirism, but he tried to veer his life in a kinder direction so he could fit in with society. However, all those niceties went out the door when he became the new Vampire King of Louisiana. And boy oh boy, do the bodies start piling up then.

#7: Willow Rosenberg
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)

Angel is another of Buffy’s buddies we considered for this list, but the spot goes to the redhead. Semi-official sidekick to the vampire slayer, Willow is a character we can really get behind, transforming from a shy computer geek to a confident, badass witch. Unfortunately, magic is addictive, and after her girlfriend is murdered, she goes completely off the rails. Then snap-crackle-pop, out comes Dark Willow – and, btw, she will promptly flay you alive if ever you cross her.

#6: Felix Gaeta
“Battlestar Galactica” (2004-09)

An upstanding and highly intellectual officer of the Colonial Army, Lieutenant Gaeta went through quite the dangerous journey courtesy of the Cylons. He’s been the President’s Chief of Staff, a resistance spy, lost his leg thanks to his own allies, and finally takes the helm himself in a full-on coup d’état for control of the Galactica. He may have had good intentions in his heart, but his actions inadvertently lead to the execution of the fleet’s government – that’s pretty hard to forgive, as he learns firsthand.

#5: Theon Greyjoy
“Game of Thrones” (2011-)

Growing up with daddy issues can certainly lead a character to make some dumb decisions. But backstabbing the very family that raised you like one of their own has to be one of the dumbest. Case in point: Theon grew up as a ward of the Stark family, but pressure by his vengeful father and his own ego makes him abandon them for glory. While we can’t exactly blame him for the Red Wedding, his support would have been appreciated. But then again, karma’s a bitch, eh Theon?

#4: Lex Luthor
“Smallville” (2001-11)

Wait, there was a time when Lex Luthor was good? Well, at the very least he was morally ambiguous. And he was all buddy-buddy with Clark Kent. But this incarnation of Superman’s greatest enemy became fascinated with Clark, and the secret Lex was convinced he was protecting viciously. Add to that obsession a little dash of patricide, and you have the recipe for a future criminal mastermind. Still rocking the bald look though, Lexy!

#3: Tony Almeida
“24” (2001-09)

Many things can make a good guy turn to the dark side – but it often involves revenge. That’s the case for this former CTU agent, who declining after being arrested for treason when he let a terrorist escape to save the woman he loves. Okay, we get that. Unfortunately, when he’s unable to save his lady a second time, things really go downhill: he fakes his own death, joins a terrorist cell, kills numerous people, and almost murders his best friend – again, for revenge. You’re kinda losing us, Tony.

#2: Shane Walsh
“The Walking Dead” (2010-12)

Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. Unless of course your best friend turns out to be a backstabbing killer who may or may not have knocked up your wife. Hey, a zombie apocalypse is no excuse for adultery. Shane would rather gun down the rest of the human race in order to keep what he’s gained since before the world went to hell in a hand basket – and that includes plotting to kill his former friend. You reap what you sew, Shane. You reap what you sew.

#1: Walter White
“Breaking Bad” (2008-13)

We were tempted to add “Weeds”’ Nancy Botwin to this list, but meth trumps pot. Walter White your average suburbanite: a nerdy chemistry teacher with a pregnant wife, a son with cerebral palsy and dreams that died long ago. That is, until cancer came knocking, prompting him to delve into chemistry’s dark side as a meth cook. While he may’ve done it for his family at first, the allure of wealth and becoming the ruler of his own empire was too much to resist. All hail the king.

Did you enjoy our list? Who’s your favorite TV good guy gone bad? For more of your favorite top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.